Light Sabers

In 2007, the Space Shuttle Discovery ferried the STS-120 crew to the International Space Station in order to install a new module and deliver supplies. Stashed away among all the scientific gear, rations, and other supplies, however, was a bit of Sci-Fi history hailing from a galaxy far, far, away.

In the Discovery’s cargo hold was a rather famous passenger. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars franchise, the original lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker in the 1977 film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was sent, with much fanfare, to the space outpost and back.

From a white glove trip to Houston, TX to be put on display in the Johnson Space Center, to being escorted to the shuttle by a squadron of Storm Troopers and Star Wars notables like R2-D2, the lightsaber traveled in style. Upon return to Earth, the lightsaber was returned to George Lucas.

I remember seeing the movie in 1977, and was thrilled when Darth Vader (a costumed friend) came to my home at Halloween that year. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show again this weekend :0)